The AFC South’s top two teams battle for a second time this season when the Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts. Injuries change the dynamic of the rematch between the division-leading Texans and the Colts. Despite being banged up on defense, Houston is favored by more than a field goal over Indianapolis.
Ball control played a huge part in the Texans’ 29-27 Week 1 victory over the Colts. A dominant effort from Texans running back Joe Mixon (30 carries, 159 yards) helped Houston maintain control of the ball for 40 minutes. Against a 31st-ranked Colts run defense, the Texans will continue to test whether Indianapolis can slow down Mixon. The Colts expect All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to return from injury this week to provide a lift inside.
Reliable running would help Houston after a poor game from quarterback C.J. Stroud (10-of-21, 86 passing yards) during Week 7’s loss to Green Bay. Stroud played well against Indianapolis in all three of his previous matchups. But the Texans are without sidelined star wideout — and noted Colts killer — Nico Collins.
The offense remains a work in progress for the Colts. Indianapolis QB Anthony Richardson is last among starters in completion percentage and quarterback rating. Through the struggles, Indianapolis is still finishing close games — winning four of its last five. Richardson also deserves credit for leading multiple second-half scoring drives during Week 7’s win over Miami.
A healthy Jonathan Taylor is a difference-maker for the Colts. The lead back’s biggest individual game during each of the last two seasons came against Houston. The Texans were also missing five defensive starters during Week 7 — with many of those same players popping up on the Week 8 injury report.
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Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans odds
How to watch Colts vs. Texans
- Venue: NRG Stadium — Houston
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Expert picks for Colts vs. Texans
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(Photo of Stefon Diggs: Maddie Malhotra / Getty Images)
